Gay couple's child denied re-enrollment at Catholic school

written by:

The student's parents are two women and the Denver Archdiocese says their homosexual relationship violates the school's beliefs and policy.

According to teachers at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School, a meeting was held Tuesday to discuss the issue. The staff was told a student would not be allowed to re-enroll because of his or her parents' sexual orientation. The staff members were also told not to talk to the media.

In a statement sent to 9NEWS, the Archdiocese said, "Homosexual couples living together as a couple are in disaccord with Catholic teaching."

According to the Archdiocese, parents who enroll their kids at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School are expected to follow the Catholic Church's beliefs.

"No person shall be admitted as a student in any Catholic school unless that person and his/her parent(s) subscribe to the school's philosophy and agree to abide by the educational policies and regulations of the school and Archdiocese," the statement said.

Because this student's parents are homosexual, the Archdiocese says they were in clear violation of the school's policy.

School staff members, who asked to remain anonymous, say they are disgusted by the Archdiocese's decision.

One employee said she could not believe a student will have to suffer because of his or her parents' sexual orientation.

The Archdiocese also told 9NEWS, "Parents living in open discord with Catholic teaching in areas of faith and morals unfortunately choose by their actions to disqualify their children from enrollment."

Staff members said they were not allowed to discuss the decision after it was made. Some of them said they were disheartened to work at a school that preaches peace and love, but also makes this decision.

According to legal experts, it is legal for the Archdiocese to deny a student enrollment because of the school's policy.